Willow Stag Sculpture Workshop in Thetford Forest
Description
Full Day Stag Sculpture Workshop with willow artist Toni Cross in the heart of Thetford Forest In this workshop we will build a large Stag sculpture which can live indoors or outside. We start by making a willow framework, then weave in more willow to fill in the sculpture. Pieces usually measure around 4/5ft to the top of the antlers. As the sculpture is quite complex to make in a day some parts will be ready made for you, including hoops for making your framework and bundles for legs, leaving you the exciting parts which really personalise your Stag. Stags are woven with brown willow which lasts well outside. We use a lot of longer and thicker willow for this sculpture. This is easy to work with but may take a bit of effort to weave. If you have limited mobility or problems with your hands, have a chat with Toni first to make sure this workshop is suitable. Sculptures can be varnished, or painted with linseed oil to preserve them. There is no age limit but children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent and may be able to work with a parent on the same piece at a lower cost by arrangement. Willow is a lovely medium to work with and most people find weaving relaxing and therapeutic. However, it can be quite hard on the fingers. We can find ways to alleviate this for most people, but if you have arthritis or other mobility issues you might want to discuss this with Toni first to see what help we can offer. Tools will be provided, but if you prefer to use your own please bring: Sharp secateurs or garden scissors (many people prefer using ones they are used to) A pruning knife if you have one Workshops include tea/coffee and cake. Please bring a sandwich for lunchtime. Santon Downham is a lovely village but quite isolated, there isn't anywhere to get lunchtime food.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Intermediate level
- Advanced/pro level
- Parking provided
- Suitable for beginners
FAQs
Santon Downham Village Hall is quite isolated and you will need your own transport.
Our Brandon workshop is within 2 miles of Brandon train station and we may be able to arrange a pick up and drop off for you, but please get in touch first.
Both venues have plenty of parking right outside.
We supply continuous tea and coffee and juice is also usually available, along with nice cake for a halfway break. Full day workshops do not include sandwiches or savoury lunch unless otherwise mentioned. For workshops at Santon Downham Village Hall, and our Brandon studio at weekends, we recommend bringing lunch as there isn't a cafe or sandwich shop. For weekday workshops in Brandon there is a sandwich bar opposite which opens all weekdays if you prefer.
Willow is a lovely medium to work with and very therapeutic. It does dry out the hands a bit so using hand cream afterwards is recommended. It is also possible to work in thin gloves and we have some on hand if you prefer to use them. It can be a bit challenging for people with arthritis and other hand and arm mobility issues, but Toni will always help and find techniques to make this manageable. If you have specific concerns please message us first.
Willow grows very easily and can sprout from a bare rod if this is cut fresh. However, most of the willow we use has been dried and will not sprout. If a workshop uses fresh willow which will grow this is mentioned in the listing. Living willow workshops only take place between November and March.